I was able to get along with the standard Number 2 pencils in school but for anyone who has trouble with those there are other choices. If you need something darker, or that makes a wider line, art stores will be the best place to find a variety of options. Here is a link to a good tutorial on pencils.Link to pencil tutorialMechanical pencils are also available in a variety of diameters. Here is a link to one on Amazon (I have not used this brand myself).Link to example 1.4mm wide mechanical pencilFor pens I can use a normal pen but for my own use when taking notes and writing large I like the really dark wide lines of the Uniball 207 Impact RT Gel pens 1.00 mm. Note that mine came with a tiny plastic cover on the tip that has to be removed before use. Because these use so much ink to make the wide lines they will tend to run out of ink faster than normal pens do. Refills are also available.See More